Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries would add too much moisture and could make the puppy chow soggy. Stick with dried cherries for the best results.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even mascarpone if you prefer a richer flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

What can I do if my chocolate seizes?

If your chocolate seizes, try stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to smooth it out.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl and bag to handle the increased volume.

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: Easy Sweet Snack Recipe

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow: Easy Sweet Snack Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups rice cereal squares; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup butter (unsalted); 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix; 1/2 cup dried cherries; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers; Additional dried cherries for garnish

Description

This delightful treat combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tartness of cherries, all wrapped up in crunchy cereal goodness. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or just when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups rice cereal squares
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter (unsalted)
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
Additional dried cherries for garnish

Instructions

Place the rice cereal squares in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
Quickly stir in the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth. If the mixture looks too thick, microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal squares, gently stirring until all the cereal is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the squares.
In the Ziploc bag, combine the powdered sugar and cheesecake pudding mix. Shake well to mix.
Add the coated cereal to the Ziploc bag, seal, and shake until the cereal is fully covered with the sugar-pudding mixture. Add the dried cherries and crushed graham crackers, then shake again.
Spread the puppy chow on a baking sheet to cool. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, which helps the coating set and the flavors meld.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cereal and check that the pudding mix is gluten-free too. If the chocolate seizes, add a teaspoon of oil and stir gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
Calories: 250
Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 34
Protein: 3

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake, Puppy Chow, Sweet Snack, Easy Recipe, Party Snack